Eric Keese

Posted: Monday, September 07, 2009

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As his more-than-a-mouthful job title with the Clarke County School District implies, Eric Keese faces a lot of responsibilities as the director of safety and risk management and recruitment and retention for the school district.

He is responsible not only for the safety of the schools, but also the recruitment of teachers and staff in the district.

Despite all those responsibilities, though, Keese also finds time to volunteer for charity organizations such as United Way of Northeast Georgia and the Hype program, a youth mentoring program.

"In order to have a legacy, we have to give back to the community," Keese said of his volunteer efforts. "I've always wanted to give back to the kids, and I feel like I have the opportunity to be a positive black role model in the community," Keese said.

In 2004, Keese was doing much of the same work he is doing now, recruiting and safety management, just in a corporate environment. He felt the need to give back to the community and took the job with the school board.

Keese said the most difficult aspect of his job is when a school employee is injured and needs worker's compensation.

"It's a challenge when you're dealing with people in unfortunate situations, but it's the most rewarding when you're able to help them out," Keese said.

Time with his family is important, too, and Keese makes it a rule to always eat dinner with his wife and two children.

About Eric Keese

• Age: 35

• Profession/place of work: Director of safety and risk management and recruitment and retention for the Clarke County School District